Discharge modeling for plasma technology and for lightning

The Multiscale Dynamics group at CWI focuses on multiscale plasma modeling, in particular, on the dynamics of streamers, sparks and lightning. This group concentrates on modeling and on the numerical and analytical aspects of calculations on multiple scales (from single electron dynamics up to the macroscopic discharge channel trees). The group develops basic methods in nonlinear dynamics, pattern formation, scientific computing, and multiscale modeling and applies them to practical problems. Nonlinear partial differential equations play a central role; expertise includes numerical analysis and scientific computing as well as model formulation and model reduction. We also develop hybrid models coupling stochastic particle and deterministic density approaches and study stochastic differential equations. The major application area is multiscale plasma modeling.